Topics

Daniel Alfredsson knew this weekend would be special; he just didn’t know how special it would turn out to be.

The Senators captain has been to five NHL all star games, but when he does finally hang up the blades, the 39-year-old captain will look back on this event in Ottawa as one of his career highlights.

While he’s been looking forward to this since he was voted into the starting lineup by the fans and, as a captain, was allowed to pick one of the all-star teams during Thursday night’s fantasy draft, he can’t wait for the party to shift into high gear with Saturday’s skills competition at Scotiabank Place.

Alfredsson, who will likely have his four children with him on the bench for the skills, is the unofficial host and he couldn’t be happier with the way the city has reacted.

“It’s pretty amazing. I’ve been part of a few of these before,” said Alfredsson. “To get this chance, at this stage of my career, it’s pretty neat. I have some friends over from Sweden to enjoy this with me — and my family as well.

“We’re going to try to do everything we can to enjoy it as much as we can, knowing the fans here are knowledgeable and passionate..”

This has been a special season for Alfredsson in a lot of ways. The Senators went into the break in a playoff position, he has 38 points in 46 games and after going through last season’s struggles, he’s enjoying the game again.

That’s why, at Friday’s Media Day at the Westin Hotel, he repeated he’ll likely play next year. With Paul MacLean behind the bench, the fun is back for Alfredsson. His teammates couldn’t be happier he’ll consider playing another season.

“That’s good. You guys keep asking him about it and make sure you keep it in his head because we really want him to stick around,” said Senators centre Jason Spezza.

Very smart

“Keep talking to him about it and maybe he’ll keep consider doing it. I’ve always said Alfie can play as long as he wants because of how smart he is at playing the game. He doesn’t need his legs as much because he thinks the game so fast.

“He’s been a great player for this year, for other years and we hope that if the season ended today, he’d probably play again next year and we hope that at the end of this season he feels that way.”

Alfredsson’s buddy Erik Karlsson was thrilled to hear the news.

“It’s totally his decision. Whatever he decides I’m going to support him,” said Karlsson. “He knows his body better than anyone else. But, as it looks right now, he looks healthy and he’s happy with the way he’s playing.

“I’d love to see him come back so I can play another season with him. He’s still a great player and he’s been showing that for the last few years. Even though he’s getting older, he’s still the top player on our team and he contributes a lot.”

That’s why Karlsson wanted to make sure he was selected by Team Alfredsson.

“To be able to play this weekend with his team is a dream come true,” said Karlsson.